King Abdulaziz University
A prestigious research-intensive university with strong international recognition. Known for quality education, innovative research, and producing graduates who excel in their fields worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 28.4%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (24,495 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:15
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 91.0%
- Retention Rate
- 88.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at KAU operates within the framework of Saudi Arabia's social customs, with gender-segregated facilities for most activities. The male and female sections of campus each contain their own libraries, dining facilities, recreation centers, and student services. Student organizations cover academic interests, community service, and approved cultural activities, though the range differs from what students might find at Western universities. Sports facilities include gyms, swimming pools, and fields for football and other athletics, available separately for male and female students. The campus provides housing for students from outside Jeddah, with dormitories offering basic accommodations at subsidized rates. Religious observance structures daily life, with prayer times built into the class schedule and campus activities pausing during Ramadan. Entertainment on campus tends toward lectures, cultural events, and approved recreational activities rather than the social scenes found at many universities worldwide. Student clubs focus on professional development, academic enhancement, and community service. The university has expanded women's sports and activities in recent years, reflecting broader changes in Saudi society.
Location & Surroundings
Jeddah functions as Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and primary gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, creating a somewhat more cosmopolitan atmosphere than Riyadh. The city of over four million residents stretches along the Red Sea coast, with the historic Al-Balad district contrasting with modern developments elsewhere. The climate delivers extreme summer heat, regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius from June through September, with humidity from the sea making conditions feel even more intense. Winters are pleasant, with temperatures around 20-25 degrees and minimal rainfall. The Corniche waterfront provides one of the city's main recreational areas, with beaches, restaurants, and walking paths along the coast. Shopping malls serve as major social gathering points, offering air-conditioned respite and entertainment options. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on cars, though ride-sharing services have improved mobility. The cost of living in Jeddah ranks moderate by Gulf standards, higher than smaller Saudi cities but lower than Dubai or Qatar. International connections through King Abdulaziz International Airport provide access to destinations worldwide, with many students traveling during academic breaks.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Saudi citizens attend KAU tuition-free, benefiting from government investment in higher education as part of the kingdom's development strategy. Many Saudi students also receive monthly stipends to support their studies, making university education financially accessible regardless of family income. International students pay fees that remain moderate by global standards. Living costs in Jeddah include accommodation, transportation, and personal expenses, with university housing providing an affordable option. The career services center connects students with employers, particularly government ministries and major Saudi corporations implementing nationalization requirements. Saudization policies in various industries create employment opportunities for graduates, though competition for preferred positions remains significant. The alumni network provides connections across Saudi business and government, with KAU graduates holding prominent positions throughout the kingdom. Many students continue to graduate studies, either at KAU or abroad on government scholarships. The university has strengthened entrepreneurship support, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification. Starting salaries for graduates vary significantly by field, with engineering and technology often offering the most competitive compensation.
Campus Location
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